Topology optimization of microchannel heat sinks using a homogenization approach

• A topology optimization algorithm is formulated using a 3D-printing-compatible homogenization approach. Multi-objective used to generate topologically optimized microchannel heat sink designs. The designs are compared conventional effects of hyperparameters in the process studied. Topology for devices typically relies on penalization methods ensure final composed strictly solid or open regions. In this work, we formulate approach wherein partial densities physically represented as porous microstructures. This formulation allows design thermal management components that have sub-grid features and leverages additive manufacturing techniques can produce such partially regions within build volume. liquid-cooled presented hotspot over uniform background input. arrays pin fins with varying gap sizes achieve sub-grid-resolution features. To end, modeled medium volume-averaged effective properties. Height-averaged two-dimensional flow non-equilibrium models media developed transport fin array. Through multi-objective optimization, hydraulic performance investigated. thickness chosen based minimum reliable printing feature size state-of-the-art direct metal laser sintering machines, between optimized. resulting topologies porous-membrane-like where liquid transported through fractal network open, low-hydraulic-resistance manifold pathways then forced across tightly spaced transfer. grid resolution initial guess performances reported. revealed offer significant improvements relative benchmark, straight under same cost function. work demonstrates representing microstructures results nearly resolution-independent at sufficiently-small use